[quote name='KwanzaaTimmy']I just got it a few minutes ago, I'll be back to post my impressions-- along with PS3 performance/LCD display information for those who are interested.[/QUOTE]
I've put a good two hours into the game thus far (And I'd be putting a lot more in if my friend wasn't watching the season finale of American Idol). So far, I'm really enjoying it. I'm running it on a PS3 with HDMI connection over a value 37" LCD TV.
The PS3 is upscaling it to 480p and pushing it widescreen, and it still looks really good and crisp-- I have a feeling its because the sprites themselves are so large, so they don't get pixelated at all. I know many of the reviews have hit the load time and slow down issue, but to be honest, I have no idea what they're smoking---- or if the PS3 playability is that drastic a difference. I get loading screens, sure, but they're there for about a second or two at the maximum-- none of this 10 second to load a 20 second area BS. With the slowdown, it has happened, but not to the game crushing alluded to in some reviews.
Bear it in mind of course, that I'm playing on a Ps3, and that I'm not too far into the game yet. Regardless, loading is a non-issue for me.
The gameplay in and of itself is great, the growing/eating/alchemy stuff is really quite addictive, the fact that you basically level up your character through it sounds tedious until you realize you're burning through foodstuffs at an incredible rate thus making it a necessity to get good at-- although I can see inventory management being an issue, you only get two rather small bags (This could possibly change later on..I'm not sure), and by the start of the second chapter you've already maxed it out if you're being careful about what you use.
The equipment is relegated to relics and such, no different weapons so far as I can tell-- but even early on you've got a glut of options: Trinkets that increase your defense, offense, speed, experience point gain, food growing abilities. The only problem is that you can only equip one of these trinkets at a time, thus consuming more precious bag space.
The combat is a beat 'em up, and its pretty plain-- covered in a flashy assortment of effects. You also have magic spells that play both offensive and defensive roles. The combat is relatively straight forward until you start fighting the bosses-- which if you try to approach the same way (by basically locking a character in hitstun) you'll get demolished. Here is where it shines, you have to use all the tools at your disposal, from Napalm bombs to Poisons-- to planting a seed in hopes that some of the Phazons knocked out of the lower beasties get you enough to grow food that you'll need to survive the encounter.
All of this looks beautiful, although it can slowdown, but when it does you get a chance to see more of what is being animated on screen. Maybe I'm old-fashioned but its a neat effect, and thus far it hasn't been as ubiquitous as the movie 300
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So, is it worth the buy? For 30 dollars after GCO on buy, you bet. I got it at MSRP and I'm glad with the purchase. Read what others have said, watch some gameplay, and see if its up your alley. I'm digging it though
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ing ridiculous, but impressive. One weekend last summer I decided I was going to go on an absurd binge-gaming session, so I stocked up on Mountain Dew and Cheetos (to buy into the stereotype), and fired up the PS2. Three hours and 48-ounces of caffeinated sugar later, I was sick to my stomach and had to go to bed. :lol:
